MUSKEGON, MI – The undead will rise and run through downtown Muskegon
after dusk on Saturday, Oct. 26, thanks to two zombie-themed events hosted by the
Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts.

The Frauenthal has organized a Zombie Apocalypse that will take
place out on downtown's sidewalks and a Zombie Prom on the stage of the
theater. Both events are returning for a second year.

The Zombie Apocalypse grew out of a desire to do something fun,
but unique during Halloween last year, said Frauenthal Sales and
Marketing Manager Linda Medema.

"We wanted to do something
different last year than just a zombie walk or a zombie run. Those are done
everywhere," she said.

The Frauenthal
eventually came up with the Zombie Apocalypse, an outdoor game that's part capture
the flag and part scavenger hunt.

Participants are divided into two teams, zombies and civilians. Each
person will wear flags around their waists, similar to flag football.

To win, each person must hit a series of checkpoints, located at
nearby downtown businesses, and collect a trinket before making it back to the "safe
zone" in the alley behind the Frauenthal – and they have to do this without
losing a flag from the opposing team. Civilians and zombies who achieve this
will be given a prize.

About 40 people took part in the fun last year, running through
downtown Muskegon, hiding behind cars and dressing up, Medema said.

"Everyone had so much fun last year, they begged us to do it
again," she said.

The event is free and open to the public and is
appropriate for a wide range of age groups, she said.

"It can be a family activity," Medema said. "Anybody and everybody
is welcome to come. Just dress warm."

The apocalypse starts at 7 p.m. at the Morris Street parking lot,
where the group will assemble and flags will be handed out.

The Frauenthal will also bring back the Zombie Prom this year,
Medema said. That event will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight on the
Frauenthal's stage. The prom is open to those who are at least 17 years old,
Medema said.

"It was a huge hit last year," she said, adding that a majority of
those in attendance dressed up in costume.

The prom will feature music by Muskegon-area band Yard Sale Underwear, as
well as drink specials and specialty drinks. The event will also include a
costume contest decided by popular vote. The winners of the contest will be
crowned Zombie Prom king and queen.

Tickets are $6.66 in advance and $10 the day of the event. Tickets
can be purchased in-person at the Frauenthal's box office from 11 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. Monday through Friday, online at www.startickets.com
or by phone at 1-800-585-3737.

For more information about either the Zombie Apocalypse or Zombie
Prom, visit www.frauenthal.org.